Nuclear power - New door to a sustainable energy future
Speaking with Lao Dong, Mr. Le Dai Dien - former Deputy Director of the Nuclear Training Center, Vietnam Institute of Atomic Energy - said that recently, the adjusted Power Plan VIII planned to put Ninh Thuan 1 and 2 Nuclear Power Plants into operation in the period of 2030 - 2035 with a scale of 4,000 - 6,400 MW. By 2050, the system needs to add about 8,000 MW of nuclear power to provide a base source of electricity and can increase according to demand.
This shows that the Party and the Government are very correct in their determination to restart the nuclear power program, choosing to develop a type of stable, carbon-free base-based power source in operation, in line with the orientation of carbon neutrality. Accordingly, by 2050, nuclear power along with hydropower and coal will become a source of underlying load, operating stably and ensuring system safety, supplementing renewable energy sources such as wind power and solar power - which depend on natural factors and have high volatility" - Mr. Le Dai Dien assessed.
This expert affirmed that nuclear power not only helps reduce dependence on fossil fuels but also contributes significantly to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, helping to improve and develop science and technology. This is one of the main driving forces behind the return and interest of countries in nuclear power.
Many bottlenecks...
With the restart of the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project and the inclusion of nuclear power in the adjusted VIII power plan is not only a strategic decision on national energy security but also contributes to the transition to a sustainable green economy, bringing the country's science and technology development to new heights.
According to Mr. Le Dai Dien, Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo on breakthroughs in the development of science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation has been and is being strongly implemented by the Party, the Government and localities.
The Resolution sets out strategic goals to create breakthroughs in research and application of technology, innovation and digital transformation; promote education and training of high-quality human resources, especially in the fields of advanced science and technology, including nuclear energy. The revised Law on Nuclear Energy being considered and passed by the National Assembly will create a solid legal basis for the development of nuclear power in particular as well as renewable energy applications for peaceful purposes in general.
Although there are many advantages and opportunities, the development of nuclear power also has difficulties and challenges, especially for the first country to build a nuclear power plant like Vietnam.
According to Mr. Le Dai Dien, Vietnam faces many challenges in infrastructure, high initial investment costs and human resource development. Therefore, it is necessary to develop support policies and long-term plans to gradually master the technology, ensure safe operation of nuclear facilities, and ensure national energy security.
In an interview with Lao Dong, Dr. Hoang Sy Than - Vietnam Institute of Atomic Energy - said that developing nuclear power requires public consensus and strong decisions by the Government. In particular, it is necessary to be careful in choosing the most advanced, safe and verifactory technology.
Developing nuclear power requires ensuring adequate infrastructure, especially legal documents and building and developing a team of nuclear power experts, as well as a culture of nuclear safety. In addition, developing nuclear power also requires time to prepare for projects due to complex technology; large investment capital (although fuel costs are low), leading to difficulties in arranging investment capital" - Dr. Hoang Sy Than said.
